Pontianak hosts international badminton challenge amid forest fire haze

Pontianak is set to host the Polytron Pontianak International Challenge 2026 from August 25–30 at the Ahmad Yani Integrated Sports Hall. This Badminton World Federation (BWF) International Challenge event features athletes from 17 countries, including the United States, Canada, France, and Japan, with a total prize pool of US$20,000. Olympic gold medalist Apriyani Rahayu is among the participants, currently adapting her playstyle for the mixed doubles category alongside Dejan Ferdinansyah.

Simultaneously, the region is facing health challenges due to forest and land fires (karhutla). The Pontianak Health Office reported a 5–10 percent increase in acute respiratory infection (ISPA) cases over the past week caused by haze. Medical professionals from the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) have warned that the smoke poses significant risks to children's developing lungs, urging parents to monitor for symptoms like changes in breathing or behavior and advising vulnerable groups to limit outdoor activities.